Nambi-Effect on Jalandhar Bishop Case

By T Kannamala

Author:  News Chase: Thrills, frills & perils of News Reporting

<http://www.amazon.com/dp/1980796831>

Book Review: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5994658126633725065#allposts

The Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal may or may not be guilty of the sexual harassment charges levelled against him.

But he is an immediate beneficiary of the Supreme Court judgement in the spy case against Nambi Narayanan, former ISRO scientist.

The Supreme Court on Sept.14, 2018 awarded Nambi Narayanan a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for his wrongful arrest in 1994 on espionage charges.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, awarded the compensation to the rocket scientist for loss of reputation, wrongful confinement and mental agony. It also directed that a committee be constituted, headed by retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate the role of Kerala police in falsely implicating the scientist under the Official Secrets Act. The court observed that Narayanan was "needlessly arrested and tortured".

Now the Bishop’s case.

Which Investigating officer would risk arresting the Bishop without adequate evidence, acquiescing to political statements, agitation and popular sentiments?

The social, political and media frenzy against Nambi Narayanan in the 1990s made many people to condemn him a spy. He was accused of having handed over secret documents related to cryogenic engine to a Maldivian woman for sexual favours. 

Nambi was arrested, prosecuted, and dismissed from service.

A subsequent Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry absolved him of all charges.

Meanwhile, the country lost the opportunity to master cryogenic engine technology from the Russian trained rocket scientist.

In the Bishop’s case as well, it is better to wait and trust our police. In the changed scenario, no amount of pressure tactic or public frenzy is likely to work, until the police gathered some evidence that could stand judicial scrutiny.

Under the rule of law, the freedom and dignity of every individual is sacrosanct.

PS : Agitating X’ans, please read   Matt. 27:20-26 or

click   https://hpnews.page4.me/bishop.html

An extract from the Bible to show that acquiescing to public sentiment could be fatal

Matthew 27:20-26 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.